Patients and their families can come face to face with a pigeon-chasing hawk and learn about how their hospitals are run at a public meeting.

Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans Hospitals are holding their annual general meeting on September 24.

During the event at Spice of Life restaurant in Watford General Hospital, West Hertfordshire NHS Trust will publish its annual report and quality account detailing the challenges and successes of the past year.

Members of the public will be able to raise their concerns, put questions to members of the trust’s board and learn more about its plans for the future. There will be stalls with information on the work of the trust and the departments that aid in the running of the hospitals and members of staff will give presentations.

The hawk that is helping the hospital deter pigeons from its Vicarage Road site will put in an appearance during the evening.

Refreshments will be served from 6.30pm with the meeting starting at 7.00pm.

People who are unable to attend can follow the event on Twitter using the hashtag #whhtagm to read updates and ask questions.

The annual report and quality account will be online after the meeting at www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/annual_report2013

For further information please visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/agm/agm2013.asp